Modeling bioretention stormwater systems: Current models and future research needs

Abstract

Many bioretention models still incorporate simplifications and lumped parameters that do not fully account for fundamental physical processes. This review summarizes the representation of hydrologic pathways, notable features, and applications of bioretention models with the goals of recommending models well suited to bioretention modeling and identifying key research needs. As a result, HYDRUS and GIFMod were identified as the only models that use Richards’ equation for determining infiltration under variably saturated conditions. Secondly, this study identified limited drainage configurations by most models except DRAINMOD-Urban. Thirdly, most models were inadequate for considering vegetat..